As the UK marks Flood Action Week (13 – 19 October), the ABI has published its updated floods guide, outlining insurers’ support at every stage of recovery process to give people the confidence and clarity they need when confronting the aftermath of flooding. The guide also explains how homes could be made more flood resilient whilst being repaired through the Build Back Better scheme. 

Responding to Floods is a practical guide designed to support individuals and families affected by flooding. It outlines the immediate actions needed to stay safe and begin the clean-up process, provides clear advice on navigating insurance claims with confidence, and offers guidance on working with loss adjusters and contractors throughout the repair journey. 

Flooding remains one of the most destructive natural disasters in the UK, affecting thousands of homes and businesses each year. In the first half of this year alone, claims for weather-related damage to people’s homes and possessions reached £424 million.  

The Environment Agency estimates that 6.3 million properties in England lie in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, or surface water. However, awareness remains low as ABI research shows that one in four homeowners are unaware if their home is at risk of flood damage. 

The Responding to Floods guide delivers straightforward insurance advice and breaks down the recovery process into six key steps: 

1. Start your claim. Contact your insurer to begin the process and access available support. 
2. Assess damage & arrange accommodation. A loss adjustor will evaluate your home and, depending on your cover, help secure temporary housing if needed. 
3. Clean-up begins. A loss adjuster will organise professional cleaning and strip-out. This may include an offer of Build Back Better up to a limit of £10,000 to make a home more resilient, and may include raised electrical sockets, water resistant plaster and flood doors. 
4. Drying your home. A specialist company will disinfect and dry the property.
5. Repair & rebuild. Your insurer will appoint a builder or offer a cash settlement for repairs. 
6. Return home. Your insurer will support your move back once your home is safe and restored. 

The guide includes forward-looking advice on how to build resilience and reduce future flood risk - such as speaking to your insurer about the Build Back Better scheme. This initiative helps eligible households fund flood-resilient upgrades, including water-resistant plaster and flooring, raised electrical sockets, and flood-resilient kitchens, making homes better prepared should flooding happen again.